Wellness Through Words and Music - Event Review
“For my performance, I wanted to do a reading about a car crash I was involved in several years ago which left me paralysed. When I arrived at the Pleasance Theatre, I realised it wasn't going to be me and just a few people, it was a real theatre with a real audience. I felt nervous, but I walked on stage full of confidence, a big smile and waved and said hello which was reciprocated by a big hello from the invisible audience, for there was a big light in my eyes.
A hush descended. I immediately began to tremble, and my breathing quickened, but I ignored it. I tried not to rush the words, I tried to stay focused on the story, but other thoughts kept jumping into my head trying to derail me. I ignored them. I got to the end of my story and suddenly I felt relief and said a confident goodbye to the audience and waved and walked off.
For the rest of the evening, I watched my fellows from Hillside perform their own unique pieces and saw them as my brothers and sisters and I felt more like myself. This was a great success for my mental health. I really appreciated the opportunity”.
Ryan, Hillside Member and Event Performer
Wellness Through Word and Music Video Highlights
“Our event at the Pleasance Theatre was one of the highlights of my time at Hillside so far! Over the weeks leading up to the event, Dhara and I had worked with the members who wanted to perform to develop their pieces and their public speaking, so seeing each member go on stage and blow it out of the park was such a fantastic sight!
I was blown away by the huge range of talent on show, from music to poetry, comedic storytelling to deeply moving poetry. After the event, I had so many people coming up to me and saying how much they'd enjoyed it and how amazing the Hillside performers had been.
I want to say a huge thank you to everyone who had the bravery to perform, and also to the members who volunteered on the night to help facilitate the event: Jaye, Holly, Qased, Michael, Eric, Elera, Farhana, Kaspar, Jeff, Ian, Ryan, Fernando, Maggie, Barbara, and Kiera!”
Finbar, Hillside Staff Member
